Importance of Deadbolts
Traditional knob locks, the standard lock for most front doors in the state and around the country, are inexpensive to install and relatively convenient to use. However, they are also usually exceedingly vulnerable to criminal tampering efforts, such as lockpicking, lock “bumping”, and brute force. Because deadbolts do not contain a spring mechanism like knob locks, they can’t be picked or defeated as easily. Experts recommend that any exterior door with a knob lock is paired with a deadbolt to reduce the likelihood of these types of break-ins.
Deadbolts are an important component of your door security due to the protection they provide against both lock tampering and attacks of force. A knob lock is an insufficient means of protection without a deadbolt accompanying it in terms of a break-in attempt. Since deadbolts are comprised of a sturdy, solid steel bolt that fits into the door, they offer superior resistance in comparison to relatively flimsy spring-loaded locks. They take much longer to defeat and the process will usually draw attention to the would-be criminal in question, which is something most criminals will not bother with.
Drawbacks to Deadbolts
Deadbolts are an extremely effective form of lock security; however, like anything else, they have their drawbacks. While most of these drawbacks can be minimized, they are still worth mentioning and taking into account.
- If your deadbolt operates via a key, the key can get lost or stolen. While this requires a replacement to operate the lock, it also means a thief could use the key to get into your home.
- Deadbolts with smart locks have a small risk of being hacked.
- For deadbolts operated with a keypad, there is a chance of an intruder figuring out the passcode. This is rare, however, unless you leave it written down somewhere and it falls into the wrong hands.
- As previously mentioned, double cylinder deadbolts should not be installed on residential doors as they present a significant safety hazard. This is due to the impediment that they present to people inside who are trying to exit as quickly as they can, for example, in cases of fire or other emergencies.
When to Replace or Upgrade Deadbolts
Although made of sturdy hardware, deadbolts do wear down over time and with a lot of daily use. On some older homes, deadbolts do not have the proper security features and replacement should be considered. Deadbolts should be made of steel and firmly flush with the door frame. There should be no exposed screw heads on the outside over the door. If your deadbolt begins to stick or become harder to lock or unlock, it’s good to have the lock repaired or replaced before you find yourself in a lockout situation that necessitates an emergency locksmith call.
Consulting a Locksmith
When you decide that you want to increase your home security by adding or replacing deadbolt locks, the place to turn to is a professional locksmith company. A locksmith company will be able to provide you with many options of top-quality deadbolt locks and professional installation to ensure that the locks are performing correctly. Deadbolts can offer affordable, strong protection against invasion from intruders when installed professionally, making them one of the most cost-effective forms of lock security you can invest in for your home.
